The world of consumer electronics is a rapidly evolving marketplace, one where manufacturers have to deal with product price erosion and the challenges that come with selling into many layered vertical markets.
The Port of Los Angeles will invest billions of dollars in transportation infrastructure to maintain its ranking as the largest U.S. container port, according to the 2012-2017 strategic plan it just released.
Three cargo charter brokers have joined to form the Global Charter Alliance, reportedly the world's first consortium of independent brokers. Founding members are Pacific Airlift of Singapore, The Charter Store of the U.S., and NEO Air Charter of Germany.
Ryder System Inc. has launched a new military-recruiting website, to help veterans match their skills with open positions at the provider of commercial transportation and supply-chain management services.
A recent S&P credit-rating report on the end-of-life of the U.S. merchant marine fleet over the next few years read more like an obituary than a financial analysis: "Weak credit quality, challenging capital market conditions and reduced access to government-guaranteed loans could spell doom for many U.S. shipowners," said S&P analyst Funmi Afonja.
Newgistics, a provider of small-parcel delivery, returns-management and freight-shipping services, is now offering delivery and return between the U.S. and Canada.
Doesn't it seem as though we are forever plunging into recession, then clawing our way back to recovery? In recent months we've seen hints that the U.S. economy is on the mend, with unemployment levels dropping. At the same time, consumer confidence is once again on the decline. It's a mixed bag by anyone's measure, but we've yet to return to pre-recession numbers in key sectors.
Global third-party logistics had a mixed year in 2011, and 2012 could be more of the same. But the signs are highly promising, at least in certain areas, that the industry's fortunes are indeed looking up.
